Behind The Design: Q&A with Dvira Ovadia

Interior designer, Dvira Ovadia, takes us behind the design of this stunning 'rustic meets glam' kitchen. This space was recently featured in the latest issue of Beautiful Design Made Simple digital magazine.

What were your clients’ needs for this space?

The client wanted an island for entertaining and ample storage for small appliances as well as a generous pantry for food storage.

Were there any changes to designing this space?

In order to accommodate a generous island and wall ovens we needed to gain another two feet of space, so we took the extra square footage from the adjacent dining room. Kitchens are the most used room in the house so sacrificing a little space from other rooms is often worthwhile.

Do you have any special considerations or requirements when creating a kitchen?

There must be sufficient room for all the different zones, cooking, entertaining, storage etc. There must also be a main focal point. In this case it was our fabulous kitchen hood stained in a medium brown.

How does the flooring play into your design?

The flooring plays on the light and bright tones of the overall kitchen palate. The oversized format of the tiles helps make that space feel large and the white and grey tones keeps the kitchen looking vivid and fresh.

The kitchen has a variety of hidden compartment and clever storage. We have an appliance garage tucked away next to the fridge cabinet which houses all the toasters, coffee makers and everyday countertop appliances. In the island we have a cabinet with mesh doors and pullout drawers designed for Onions and potatoes. These get neatly tucked away while still letting ventilation in. The two towers flanking the fridge are used to display China, while one of them is covering up a structural column. And in the pantry cabinet we ran power for a few hidden electrical outlets which allow the drawers to become functional charging zones for mobile devices and tablets.

Why did you choose these colors?

We choose a white kitchen because the home has a large covered deck which blocks a lot of the natural light. Keeping the kitchen white allows it to feel bright. The accent of the walnut brown tones contrasts against the white cabinetry and gives the space a stylish and tailored look.

What is your favorite aspect of this room?

The hood in the accent color truly stands out and makes a statement while creating an anchoring focal point. It is not a typical detail which is why I love it so much!

What did you client like the most?

The clients' favorite part was their generous island. It had become the hub of the home and a magnet for entertaining. With proper space planning we were able to design a kitchen to meet the exact wishes of the client.

About The Designer

Dvira Ovadia is the principal designer of Dvira Interiors - a full service, Toronto based interior design firm specializing in fresh, functional and vibrant designs with global influences. Dvira began working in the industry working for a handful of world renowned design firms in New York City and Toronto before her successful win on a television design series called From the Ground with Debbie Travis. Following that success, Dvira established her own design firm and in parallel was getting further involved in design & renovation shows.

For over a decade now, Dvira’s multi-disciplinary Toronto Design firm has worked on a wide range of small and full scale residential and commercial interior projects, from concept to build her company services clients throughout Canada and the US. An award winning and respected Toronto Designer, Dvira has been the designer on TV series for the Unsellables, Reno and Relocate, Downright Domestic and moved into the role of Designer and Art director for 9 Seasons of the acclaimed- Income Property with Scott Mcgillivray on HGTV.

To see more of Dvira's interior design work, view her portfolio at www.dvira.com.